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Posted: 01.13.2003
Make blog, not war
[wings!] Last night I half-joked to Todd that it seems like the whole world wide web is on the rag right now. But I'm not so sure it's a "joke". Has anyone else noticed this? I'm don't know if it's a combo of post-holiday let-down, stress and money-woes -- impending war looming over our heads whether we really let ourselves start to think about it or not -- or what. But it seems like everywhere I read these days someone's hurting, angry, upset or a combo of all the above.

I'd only been blogging a few months this time last year, so my reads-list wasn't as long. I can't guess if this is a "time of year" thing that I'm just catching onto, or if there's something in the air right now. Am I alone in feeling this way?

Besides all of the overwhelming personal crap a lot of people have been slammed with -- and attacks right and left in people's comments -- one thing I've seen over and over is a lot of hostility towards The Bloggies, and those who have asked to be nominated for them. Last year was a real healthy dose of where my place is in this blogisphere next to Wheaton. I didn't even know what the Bloggies were when I found out I'd been nominated. That part meant something. But I haven't been able to take it seriously since. If I get nominated, great. Pizza party for everyone. If I don't, the mop-up crew is much more fun to watch in action anyway. Stop and ask yourself -- whether your feelings are pro or con regarding the annual event and the voting -- in the end, does it really MATTER? Will it change your life? Should it change theirs? Absolutely not.

I've noticed a lot of tear them down because they "have" traffic -- or tear them down because they "want" traffic -- rants as well. But in the scheme of things, who cares? I guess 'til the day this blog pays my bills (shaw-right), I'll consider all of this about as serious as my Princess™ status. Which by the way, for the record, I have yet to see an actual tiara for (dammit)...

yourule.gif So I propose this. Instead of a day of blame, pointing fingers, labeling, being labeled, silly acronyms, inclusion, exclusion, insults (open or veiled), bitching, general whining because you aren't "popular" (for lack of a better word), whining because they ARE popular or whining because you want to BE popular, ramalamadingdong -- how about we make tomorrow (Tuesday, January 14th) a Bloggin' Lovefest. Devote one post to a blogger you love (and you can't pick me) -- and tell everyone why in 1500 words or less. Let your readers know how that blog has changed either your day -- or blogging -- for the better. Even if that's just because it's damn silly and makes you smile. Then go tell that blogger you've written about them. After that, ping me or post it in the comments so everyone can see what you've had to say. Sort of like a blogwide Aortal day, if you will. You can even swipe the candy heart.

We may not hold hands and sing a rousing chorus of "Kum Ba Ya" at the end, but it will sure feel better than an endless string of the "top ten reasons how this blogger sucks and why". At least I think so. Just in case not, the fridge is stocked with chocolate chip cookie dough if anyone wants/needs to join me...

And now, I close with this. A cheesy song my youth group actually performed at the White House when I was in the eighth grade:


With words you can build mountains
in just a moment's time
that take years to tear down,
and even longer to climb.

Words that separate --
they condemn and criticize.
Even the best of things
are sometimes jeopardized...

Quiet, please.
Too much has already been said.

Just let it be --
and learn to listen instead.

For sometimes through the silence
big problems become small.

If you can't find something good to say --
say nothing at all.


And that's good advice I'll heed...well, at least until the next tantrum anyway. Carry on.

UPDATE: Zuly's Zu has a most-excellent addendum to the above. Also wanted to add that it's 1500 words or less -- meaning in this case, "or less" is quite fine. Don't worry -- you won't be graded!

UPDATE 2: The full list of everyone who participated on January 14th, 2003, is here.



Hey boy take a look at me...let me dirty up your mind...



Hmmm.

Y'know, when you put it that way...

Can we only write about one?

Heh.

Seriously, though, I know in my little corner of the web (all the blogs off of vaspider.surreally.net and vase.surreally.org) people are just getting hammered with personal issues and post-holiday-ick. I'm just now finally starting to pull myself out of it.

And by the way, Robyn, it really was cool of you to go over and leave a comment on Kate's blog after her car accident. One or two people emailed her, but you were the only person who left her a comment.

Meant a lot to me, and I'd been meaning to say so, but I'm all scatter-brained lately.

¤ ¤ credit: VASpider | 01.13.03 at 06:19 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Absolutely not -- if there's more than one, post 'em all! :-) And thank you!

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 01.13.03 at 06:20 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

What an awesome idea! I may have to do a top five or something because there's no way I could do just one, even if I can't name you. =)

¤ ¤ credit: Kymberlie R. McGuire | 01.13.03 at 06:23 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Excellent idea!

¤ ¤ credit: Christine M. | 01.13.03 at 06:32 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I really like this idea. I really really do. Problem is, who to pick? I'd like to pick someone I don't know particularly well, rather than someone who's already in my 'circle.' I'll have to think about this.

Oh yes, and I'm ignoring the bloggies altogether. I ignored them last year, I'm ignoring them this year, and chances are good that I'll ignore them next year. I've never been into things that ultimately turn into popularity contests, and I don't think that there's anything wrong with that.

¤ ¤ credit: rickie beth | 01.13.03 at 06:49 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Yeah, I'd have a hard time picking too, that's for sure. As for the bloggies, unless the "prize" is either a multimillion jackpot, or people to bow down to me for all eternity, then it's just another online award. Cool and all, but I won't wake up feeling any different, just like when I lost my virginity. You just couldn't tell.

Though... maybe if the jackpot was a lifetime supply of chocolate with a free plastic surgeon.... a big room full of marshmallows... a moon bounce.... or the entire collection of strawberry shortcake dolls...., then I'd consider it to be a life altering event.. oh, and only if the marshmallows were miniature and multi-colored.

¤ ¤ credit: statia | 01.13.03 at 06:56 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Where did you get the cool heart graphic. Got anymore?

¤ ¤ credit: Jason | 01.13.03 at 07:21 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

great idea, but who to pick??
Can i have the maxi instead? just kidding.

¤ ¤ credit: DianeG | 01.13.03 at 07:26 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Jason, I made that one -- but you can make your own conversation hearts here and here!

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 01.13.03 at 07:32 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Ab fab....must go type...

¤ ¤ credit: Tracy | 01.13.03 at 07:45 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I think it that time of year Robyn, and you are right everyone seems to be a little down in the dumps lately.

I think that is a faboulous idea! Now the only problem is how to narrow it down... that is the hard part, ther are alt of wonderful blogs out there...

¤ ¤ credit: munin | 01.13.03 at 08:13 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

What're the bloggies?

¤ ¤ credit: tj | 01.13.03 at 08:39 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I whole-heartedly agree. As far as my "blogging" is concerned, I have always attempted to remember that oft heard rule: "If you've nothing nice to say, then just don't blog at all"

¤ ¤ credit: amit | 01.13.03 at 08:48 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I wish I could claim the same amit. Sometimes I just have too much bitch in me for my own good. But I'm tryin' Ringo. I'm tryin' real hard. ;-)

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 01.13.03 at 08:52 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Great idea, Robyn. Count me in! =)

¤ ¤ credit: Tambra | 01.13.03 at 09:36 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Bloody brilliant! Count me in. I was considering doing something of that effect today. There are two I want to pay homage to. Possibly three. Oh darnit...

Maybe four.

Time to go make the list, and then narrow it down. ;)

¤ ¤ credit: GeekGrrl | 01.13.03 at 10:17 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Hey! I don't hand out titles Princess and Queen and Demon Wench like they's candy! Ya gotta earn 'em. (Tiara must be lost in the stupid mail. Curse them!)

¤ ¤ credit: Solonor | 01.13.03 at 10:24 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

This is another one of your wonderful ideas. I will be whole heartedly participating tommorrow!

¤ ¤ credit: sphinx | 01.13.03 at 10:46 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I would, but my MT isn't playing ball at the moment. I had a wonderful positive event to blog about and I can't. I'm stuck with my last little whinge till someone from the forum can tell me what happened. It's a wonderufl idea though. I'm thinking happy thoughts even if I can't type them :)

¤ ¤ credit: Jessica Parker | 01.13.03 at 11:06 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

A VERY good idea indeed!!!

¤ ¤ credit: C.C. | 01.13.03 at 11:17 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Another Good Idea by Robyn?.

It's hard to choose just one! Once you pop, you can't stop!

I'm gonna lose sleep over choosing a blogger to write about...

¤ ¤ credit: courtney | 01.13.03 at 11:32 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

oops, the "?" was supposed to be "TM". It didn't work.

¤ ¤ credit: courtney | 01.13.03 at 11:32 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Ok, it's time on the east coast (or close enough) so I just did my part to spread a little love around the web right here.

¤ ¤ credit: C.C. | 01.13.03 at 11:35 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Hi there! Have you checked out http://www.wordscanheal.org? I saw Goldie Hawn talk about this on Oprah. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone took the pledge?

¤ ¤ credit: Jen | 01.13.03 at 11:36 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

That's a great idea. I'll have to work on my list too. :)

¤ ¤ credit: Lisa, Gal of Unix | 01.14.03 at 12:44 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

i'll play, but only if i can break your one rule (about picking you). you're my shepherd, rob.

¤ ¤ credit: mikey | 01.14.03 at 01:18 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

What a wonderful idea Robyn! I can sure tell you that it made my day!! :o))

¤ ¤ credit: Maria | 01.14.03 at 07:03 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

I think this is a wonderful idea , it gave me a chance to tell the person who got me involved in blogging thank you and let her know I think she rocks , *thumbsup* to you

¤ ¤ credit: Angel | 01.14.03 at 09:12 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Great Idea - mine is done :-)

¤ ¤ credit: jewdez | 01.14.03 at 09:40 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Everyone on my Reads list is someone I care about. I picked out 5 people to single out, but I also wanted everyone to know that I am grateful for all their friendships!!

I think this is so neat Robyn! It felt so good to do this!! Thank you! :)

¤ ¤ credit: Maria | 01.14.03 at 09:43 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

I've posted my praises. Thanks for the awesome idea!

¤ ¤ credit: Stu D. | 01.14.03 at 09:49 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Ookeey dokey my blog lovefest nominee is up, so go to http://www.veryblack.org to see the victim, um nominee.
Nice idea.

¤ ¤ credit: rah | 01.14.03 at 09:49 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Some thoughts for today

thanks.

¤ ¤ credit: kevin | 01.14.03 at 10:54 AM | link--this ¤ ¤

Showin some love!

¤ ¤ credit: amanda | 01.14.03 at 12:36 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

My blog love is up here unless the person asks me to take it down. Which I bet she won't.

¤ ¤ credit: rfduck | 01.14.03 at 01:25 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I have succumbed to your peer pressure. Wench!

¤ ¤ credit: Bill | 01.14.03 at 03:29 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Done! It was hard to pick just one person.

¤ ¤ credit: Sassy McSmartpants | 01.14.03 at 05:24 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Bloggin around the world? Spread a little love while you go!

¤ ¤ credit: Ari | 01.14.03 at 05:31 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I absolutely love this woman. She has an awesome blog and I find that her crankiness is actually charming. It is always a humorous adventure visiting her site. I recommend visiting her blog and taking a peek into her mind.

http://www.crankychick.net

¤ ¤ credit: Toni | 01.14.03 at 06:06 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Definitely a cool idea!..I've been so out of the loop lately with real life things i'm just starting to catch up with everyone's blogs again.

Wow now to think! heh

¤ ¤ credit: Dania | 01.14.03 at 07:03 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

what's "pinging" and how do I do it?

¤ ¤ credit: stacey | 01.14.03 at 09:20 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I thought it was an excellent idea. I came across it from Bozzysworld.com. I had to choose latertater.com/froggie, as the blog I love, because she's so cool.
:)

¤ ¤ credit: Rachael | 01.14.03 at 09:27 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Pings were created by the authors of Movable Type as a way for blogs to "talk" to one another. So for instance, when everyone (with Movable Type, and/or running TrackBack) writes their Lovefest entry, those with TrackBack ping me to let me know which entry at their site to view.

If you're running Movable Type, here's information on TrackBack.

And if you're not running Movable Type, here's information on MT's stand-alone TrackBack feature (MT not required).

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 01.14.03 at 09:29 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I tried to ping you, but I couldn't get it to work.... But I wrote this up at http://www.randombeatings.com/archives/000452.html

What a fantastic idea..

HUGS
Vince

¤ ¤ credit: Vince | 01.14.03 at 10:30 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

My Bloggin' Lovefest choice is Rilana

¤ ¤ credit: Amy | 01.14.03 at 11:05 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

I sent my ping, but I don't know if it worked. If not, you can view my entry here.

By the way, I love the comments editor you have here! I wish I knew how to do this.

¤ ¤ credit: Dawn | 01.15.03 at 03:14 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

If anyone has MT, let me know -- I have the directions on the bold/italicize/underline and URL feature in a text file that I can forward on.

¤ ¤ credit: robyn | 01.15.03 at 03:26 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

what a cool idea! :) here is my participation ....

¤ ¤ credit: Soul | 01.15.03 at 04:25 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

Great idea!! Too many to chose from, lol, but I picked one. =)

¤ ¤ credit: Steph | 01.15.03 at 08:46 PM | link--this ¤ ¤

u r so damn hot u have the biggest tits ive seen oh letrice

¤ ¤ credit: letrice | 01.19.03 at 11:22 AM | link--this ¤ ¤




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